Soaring Costs Prompt Swift Action
President Donald Trump removes tariffs on a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order lifting duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move comes amid growing frustration over rising grocery bills. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican setbacks. The updated exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantities.
Trump Reaffirms Trade Rationale
Trump insists his tariffs never raised consumer prices. He claims critics exaggerate affordability concerns for political gain. He says the levies help reduce the US trade deficit and protect national interests. He argues foreign partners exploited the US for decades. Yet climbing beef prices now create political pressure. Trump orders a probe into major meatpackers and accuses them of manipulating prices. He promotes 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether he had authority to issue them. The exemptions signal a shift as the White House seeks to ease household costs.
Quick Relief for Consumers
Trump says the exemptions only apply to goods not produced domestically. He stresses the move does not shield any domestic industry. He predicts coffee prices will drop rapidly under the new rules. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs directly to shoppers. Inflation remains lower than expected in September, yet many items still rise. Grocery prices are up 2.7 percent year over year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also reduces import taxes on coffee and bananas through deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promise a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
Over 100 Food Items Lose Tariffs
The administration releases a list of more than 100 newly exempt products. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef categories qualify, from premium cuts to frozen and cured products. A broad range of fruits also enters duty-free status, including acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices are exempt, including allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric. The list also covers nuts, grains, roots and seeds, such as barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
